Thursday, October 22, 2015

Many people have a belief that
regular intake of vitamins and minerals or nutritional tonics will help them
stay healthy. But this is not sufficient according to Ayurveda. Unlike the
general treatment approach of modern medicine, the approach in Ayurveda is
individualized / personalized based on one’s Prakriti (Phenotype / Body
constitution). One must know his / her Prakriti so that they can inculcate and
adopt suitable diet, lifestyle to achieve optimum health and to prevent chronic
diseases. Prakriti is a unique concept of Ayurveda and it has a significant role
in personalized medicine.

When no two people are alike, then
how can there be a common line of treatment for them when affected with the
same disease?

According to Ayurvedic principles,
all living beings and non – living things in earth is made up of five elements
(Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether) in varying proportions acording to
predetermined ratio that cannot be changed. Man is the microcosm of the
universe. Whatever is present in the universe is present in man but in
different combinations or proportions. The five elements combine with each
other to form three doshas – Vata (Air + Ether), Pitta (Fire and Water) and
Kapha (Earth and Water).

Prakriti (Body constitution) is a
consequence of relative proportion of the three doshas which are not only
genetically determined but also influenced by the environment, maternal diet
and lifestyle and age of transmitting parents. Prakriti is similar to a genetic
code - you are born with it and it remains unchangeable throughout the span of
life. Prakriti is unique to every individual just like each of us have unique
finger print. There are 7 types of Prakriti – Vata Prakriti, Pitta Prakriti,
Kapha Prakriti, 3 Dual combinations - Vata Pitta Prakriti,Pitta Kapha Prakriti and Vata Kapha Prakriti
and one combination of all the three – Vata Pitta Kapha Prakriti.

In Ayurveda system of medicine,
predisposition to a disease as well as selection of a preventive and curative
regimen is primarily based on phenotypic (Prakriti) assessment of a person.
Also the effects of various diet, lifestyle, environment and treatment on
different prakritis are well explained. The concept of constitutional
uniqueness of human individuals leading to prescription of suitable drugs and
specific diet is a remarkable feature of Ayurveda. This has similarities with
the pharmacogenomics.

Understanding Disease Susceptibility

Prakriti provides knowledge about
one’s personality, physiological strengths and weakness, mental tendencies,
susceptibility to various illness. By knowing one’s Prakriti, one can
understand what he is vulnerable to and thereby adopt suitable diet and
lifestyle so that he can prevent illness even before its occurrence.

In general, Kapha Prakriti people
have slow metabolism, Pitta people have high metabolism and Vata people have
variable metabolism. Pitta people have have high Basal Metabolic Rate and when
supported by Vata can be prone to premature aging whereas Kapha Prakriti people
have delayed aging and longer life span. Because of Kapha dosha qualities such
as steadiness, slowness, etc, Kapha people are well known for gaining weight
and obesity which in turn links with a number of diseases like metabolic
disorders, diabetes, etc. Kapha prakriti people do not become sick often and
enjoy greatest level of physical health, endurance and stamina provided they
stay physically active, do regular exercise / sport and follow healthy diet
habits by avoiding excess fried food, fast food, processed food, refined sugar
and carbohydrates. Pitta Prakriti people have strongest mind and will-power,
average endurance, stamina and good immune system unless they overwork. Pitta
dosha is hot in nature and hence Pitta people tend to develop bleeding
disorders, skin disorders, ulcers, acidity, etc. which can be prevented by
adopting nutritious diet habits and avoiding spicy, acidic food in excess and
staying hungry. Vata Prakriti people have weakest immune system yet they have
abundant energy but not the necessary stamina. They generally are underweight
but when they are agitated they tend to put on weight and become fat. Due to
the dryness, coldness, instability qualities of Vata, Vata Prakriti people have
propensity to develop constipation, cold hands & feet, neurological
problems, dementia, etc. They have an irregular eating habits which they should
change. They should try to be stable and grounded, avoid stress and try to have
regular routine and eat varities of nutritious and healthy food as they tend to
get bored easily with same diet.

“Like increases Like” - A healthy diet & activity for a
healthy life

Food
substances which are similar in quality to a dosha increases the corresponding
dosha in the body whereas food substances which are opposite in quality to a
dosha decreases the corresponding dosha in the body. For instance, food
substances which are similar in qualities to Vata dosha increases Vata in the
body. Hence if a Vata Prakriti persons indulges more in Vata predominant foods,
he is likely to suffer from diseases of Vata origin. So a Vata Prakriti person
should adopt diet and lifestyle having opposite qualities of Vata dosha for
maintaining a balance. Same is with Pitta and Kapha Prakriti people.Making wise eating choices
in harmony with one's Prakrti will help to lead a healthy life. One’s
activities also have a similar effect.

Preventive health with Ayurveda

Swasthavritha explained in
Ayurveda texts have a great impact to preserve health and prevent diseases.
Ayurveda emphazies on nutritious diet, adequate sleep, proper sensory
activities, adopting daily regimen & seasonal regimen, regular exercise,
non supression of natural urges, good conduct / social behavior and avoidance
of stress for the maintanence of health & prevention of diseases. Adopting
suitable diet and healthy lifestyle according to one’s Prakriti from an early
age is a practice towards personalized preventive health which has Rasayana
(Rejuvenation) benefits and boosts the child’s immunity leading to healthy,
disease free, more productive and high quality life. Immunodeficiency (Failure
of normal function of immune system) leads to susceptibility to infection. So
one should incorporate Ayurvedic principles into daily life to achieve optimal
health and for personalized prevention.

Location/Cultivation
and types - Tulsi is found throughout the
lowlands of India as well as in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
southern China, Thailand, and Malaysia. There are three types of Tulsi plants
available Rama tulsi (Bears small green leaves), Krishna tulsi (Bears dark
green to Purple leaves and has a strong taste and smell) and Vanatulsi (Bears
large green leaves and is the wild variety growing in forests).

Health
Benefits of Tulsi – It can be used at home
for several ailments and does not require any kind of doctor’s prescription.
Tulsi is used in Fever, Headaches, Insect bites, Labor pains, Nausea and
vomiting, Skin problems, Respiratory infections, Sore throat, Stress,
Respiratory disorders, Diabetes, Teeth disorders and Cancer.

How
to take Tulsi - Tulsi fresh leaves, leaves powder,
fresh leaves decoction, infusion can be used.Various supplements that contain tulsi extracts are being manufactured
and marketed by many pharmaceutical companies.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is sacred
medicinal herb which is worshipped in India. Due to its innumerable medicinal
virtues it can be used in curing various diseases. Krishna tulsi has more
medicinal value compare to ramatulsi. Tulsi leaves have hypocholesterolemic
(lowering cholesterol), hypotriglyceridemic (lowering triglycerides),
hepatoprotective (protecting liver), anti-inflammatory (preventing
inflammation), and anti-oxidant effects. Its anti-bacterial properties help to
fight the bacteria and purify the surrounding air. Based on the proved studies,
tulsi can absorb the positive ions; it even stimulates the negative ions.
Tulsi, from its root to leaves encompassed with multiple healthy perks. Whole
plant acts as soothing agent or demulcent, lessens fever and expectorant.

Tulsi contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and
essential oils, which are all anti-oxidants that scavenge free radicals in the
body, improving cellular integrity, blood flow, and genetic expression.It is particularly good for cardiovascular
health and brain function, as it helps protect against heart disease and brain
degeneration.

Tulsi is rich in aromatic essential oils
that have powerful effects on the body.These phytonutrient rich oils have a great smell that naturally boosts
mood and spirit.Eugenol has been shown
in studies to combat stress and enhance mental clarity.

Tulsi acts to modulate stress levels and
blood sugar levels by stabilizing cortisol and insulin.A study out of the Indian Journal of
Clinical Biochemistry indicated that holy basil may reverse some of the
damaging effects of diabetes like neuropathy and retinopathy.

A considerable, rapidly expanding body of
modern scientific information is currently available confirming many of the
life-supporting benefits described in ancient Indian Ayurvedic (“Knowledge of
Life”) writings.

In many Ayurvedic scriptures, Tulsi is
frequently mentioned as one of the main pillars of herbal medicine. The sacred
plant is described as a protector of life, preventing misery and disease from
birth through old age and death—and even then aiding the passage to the
heavens. Ongoing clinical investigations of Tulsi’s health promoting qualities
are sure to bear rich fruit. Relatively little known in the West, the
holy basil Tulsi is certain to emerge in the near future as a major player in
the growing field of herbal health supplements and medicines, both in daily
self-care and in professionally managed health care systems. Tulsi is a miracle
herb and is a boon to the world.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) commonly known as the Chebulic
Myrobalan is a perennial plant, found
everywhere in India. The useful part is the fruit which is of medicinal value.
Haritaki fruit is a part of Triphala, the three fruits. Haritaki is a panacea
for all diseases and is the best Rasayana (Rejuvenative) especially for Vata people.According
to the Bhavaprakasha, Haritaki was derived from a drop of nectar from Indra’s
cup. Haritaki is
a digestive and has anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, cardiotonic,
aphrodisiac, laxative and restorative properties. It promotes intellect. It is
additionally beneficial in flatulence, constipation, hemorrhoids, cough, cold and
fever.Haritaki is also known by different names like Abhaya,
Avyatha, Pathya, Kapastha, Pootana, Chetaki, Sreyasi, Shiva in Sanskrit.

Energetics
of Haritaki

Rasa
(Taste)– It has all the
five tastes except salt – Madhura (Sweet), Amla (Sour), Tikta (Bitter), Katu
(Pungent) and Kashaya (Astringent). The peculiar property of Haritaki to
possess five types of tastes is because of the special way in which Mahabhutas
(five main elements of the universe – Earth, water, fire, air and ether)
combine themselves to constitute this drug.

Bhavaprakasha has mentioned 7 varieties of Haritaki depending upon the area
where they grow, size of the fruit, and uses.

Jivanti – It is grown in Saurashthra in Gujarat, is
golden - yellow in color. It is used for all chronic diseases and has
many medicinal uses.

Putana – It is found in Southern Pakistan, is small
in size with big and hard seeds and is used mainly for external
application.

Vijaya -
Vijaya, growing in the Vindhaya Mountains, looks like a squash and
is said to be the best. It is used for all chronic diseases and has many
medicinal uses.

Abhaya – Amrita and Abhaya varieties grow in
Bhagalpur district in Eastern India in Bihar. Abhaya has 5 lobes and is
used mainly for ophthalmic purpose externally.

Amrita – It has more of flesh and is used mainly for
purgation purposes.

Rohini – It is found distributed in North India, is
round in shape and is used for healing ulcers and wounds by external
application.

Chetaki – It is found in Himalayas, has 3 lobes and
is used in powder form for many diseases and is a laxative. It comes in
two varieties – white and black.

Haritaki
as a Rasayana (Rejuvenative)

Haritaki is a best Rasayana and many Rasayana
preparations of Hartaki are expounded in the first chapter (Abhaya Amalaki
Rasayana) in Chikitsa sthana (Section on Therapeutics) of Charaka Samhita. Powder
of Haritaki is administered in the dose of 3-6 gm for Virechana (Purgation) and
1 gm for Rasayana. Haritaki
is the best rejuvenatory herb for all the seasons. Haritaki is advised to be used throughout the year and
is administered with different substances in different seasons to get best
results. This is known as Ritu Haritaki.

In our modern world, we blindly believe that
vaccinations and antibiotics are beneficial for prevention and treatment of
diseases. Of course, at times such things can be necessary. But too often it
can be substituted with Ayurvedic advises which is a safe and natural way to
improve the function of the immune system thereby increasing disease
resistance. Ayurveda has much to offer in the way of gentle and effective
health care and disease prevention for children through diet and lifestyle, as
well as the use of medicinal herbs and spices.

“The object of teaching is to enable a child to get
along without his teacher.” This quote has a connection to Ayurveda. So let’s
educate growing children about the benefits of Ayurveda for a healthy future. From bedtime to bedtime there is a full day of simple
Ayurvedic activities that promote health and wellbeing. Introduce a child to
these at an early age and they can become habits for life.

4.Self-Massage - Massage keeps us strong
and is beneficial for body and mind.Ayur veda recommends that you massage yourself with a bit of warm oil
for about 5 minutes is sufficient. Massage the scalp, forehead, hands and feet.

5.Bath – Daily bath helps maintain
personal hygiene and gives a feeling of freshness to start the new day.

7.School / Office – Do all work mindfully
and at pace, concentrate on what you do.

8.Midday lunch– It should be the only
heaviest / main meal of the day– Eat between 12.30 – 1.30 pm.

9.Short napcan be taken if needed after
lunch for 15 – 20 min. Do not sleep, but a short nap is no harm.

10.Meditation - In the evening back home,
after refreshing, sit still in a silent area and focus on your breath.

11. Evening hours – Use less TV and computer,
utilize time for more productive work or studies or sports.

12.Dinner- Dinner is recommended to be
taken between 7 and 8 pm and should be lighter. Do not go to bed or watch TV or
Computer immediately after dinner. Walk few steps inside the house after dinner
to enable digestion.

13.Sleep – Go to sleep early, between 9 –
10 pm.

As one applies the
principles of Ayurveda in his day-to-day life, he can live a disease free, long
life. The prime objective of Ayurveda is to prevent dis-ease. As children are
the building blocks of the society, incorporating Ayurveda principles in their
lives will help enhance their physical and mental health, thereby promoting a
healthy and disease free society.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Clearing of bowels is a step towards good
health. There is a feeling of being uncomfortable and routine work is hampered
when the bowels of a person are not cleared. Constipation is a common problem
in today's world mainly due to present day lifestyle. Constipation may manifest
in different ways - not passing bowels even once a day or a sense of incomplete
evacuation.

Though the disease of constipation has not been
discussed separately in Ayurvedic texts, its occurrence as a symptom of various
diseases and ways to tackle it has been described. Constipation is mentioned in
Ayurvedic texts by the name of Vibandha meaning obstructing or binding of
stool. Vibandha occurs when something is wrong somewhere in our food habits.

Nidana
(Causes)

Ayurveda treats constipation as a problem
arising due to the predominance of Vata dosha. In fact all people with Vata
constitution have this problem to some extent or the other. From Ayurvedic
point of view, dietary habits are the main cause of constipation. Following are
some of the dietary factors that lead to constipation – eating at different
time each day, eating too late than the normal time, eating food that is
difficult to digest, eating food without roughage or food that contain fiber
content, eating mostly dry foods, drinking too many beverages like tea and
coffee, drinking too many cold drinks, not drinking enough water. Apart from
these Ayurveda has also pinpointed various environmental and behavioral factors
that can lead to constipation – vices like smoking, staying awake till late at
night, sleeplessness or insomnia, mental worries and tensions, feelings of
guilt and fear and age.

Causative factors lead to Ama (Metabolic toxin
formed due to improper digestion) formation and abnormal movement of Apana vata
(One of the 5 subdivisions of Vata dosha and one of the functions of Apana Vata
is to facilitate proper evacuation of faeces), the seat of it is mainly rectum,
bladder and reproductive organs). This makes the stool dry, peristalsis is
slowed and stool is retained in pakvashaya (colon). Hence there is difficulty
in passing stools leading to Vibandha or Constipation. The first symptom is a
coating on the tongue which cannot be cleaned easily. People also have
occasional feeling of uneasiness in stomach with flatulence. Stools are hard to
eliminate and food takes longer time to get digested properly.

Types
of constipation

Casual or temporary – This can be caused by
indigestion, overeating, contaminated food or bacterial infection.

Chronic or habitual – This occurs largely in the
elderly usually due to loss of tonality in the sphincter muscles. It is also
presented by persons suffering from piles or hemorrhoids.

Treatment

Constipation is not the threatening
disease it’s just a change in bowel due to sedentary lifestyle, improper diet,
creating unnecessary mental stress, worries etc. Ayurveda has high ethos
approach in treating the ailment in authentic manner and quiet possible to
manage with above mentioned remedies. Simple
tips to relieve and prevent constipation

·Take ample
fruits, fruit juices, leafy vegetables and water. ·Reduce excess
intake of fried foods, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, nuts and dry
fruits.·Regular
physical exercise is important.·One should
try to have a relaxed mind, free from anxiety, stress, etc. ·One should
not suppress the natural urges especially feces.·Staying awake
late in night and rising late in the morning also affects bowel movement. So
one should try to go to bed before midnight and wake up early.·Avoid
straining at stools.Common Ayurvedic herbal medicines used to treat
constipation

Triphala
Churna

Avipathikar
Churna

Panchasakar
Churna

Abhayarishta

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease but it
can be the forerunner of serious diseases. Timely treatment is very much
essential. Constipation can be successfully manageable through Ayurveda.
Ancient Ayurveda texts have mentioned several classical Ayurveda herbal formulations,
which help relieve constipation by establishing equilibrium of all 3 doshas,
mainly Vata dosha.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Ayurvedic approach towards motherhood, that
is pregnancy and childbirth, is indeed a holistic one. Ayurvedic
recommendations touch upon the diet, behavior, and activities of not only the
mother but also the entire family into which the child will be born. Ayurveda
regards the woman and her ability to produce and care for children as the basis
of family life, which, in turn, is the very foundation of society. Therefore, only
if the women of a society are safe, protected, and content can these qualities
manifest in that society. Pregnancy is a time when everything the pregnant
mother tastes, sees, touches, hears and smells should be nourishing to the
mother and child.

Advice on diet during pregnancy -

Cooked vegetables should be included in diet whereas raw
vegetables / salads should be consumed in less quantities preceding lunch.

Pulses like yellow and split green gram, pigeon pea and red
lentils are easy to digest, balancing and nourishing to the body.
Chickpeas, black-eyed and kidney beans should only be taken very
occasionally and must be thoroughly soaked and well cooked. Tofu can also
be enjoyed.

Grains including rice, oat, rye, maize, millet, amaranth,
quinoa and flours made from the above grains and buckwheat can also be
used. Porridge made without milk, but with cinnamon and cardamom, coconut
flakes, soaked raisins or stewed fruit is easy to digest, highly
nutritious, warming and energizing. It is better to avoid bread.

Seeds and nuts such as pumpkin, sesame, poppy and sunflower
seeds, pine nuts, almonds (without skin), walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios
should be eaten in very small amounts as they are heavy to digest and vata
increasing. They are best soaked and made into a paste or milk. The flesh,
milk, cream and flakes of coconuts can be used liberally.

All sweet fruits such as apples, pears, apricots, grapes,
cherries, plums, sweet berries, fresh figs, dates and also pomegranate are
good. Dried fruits are okay, but they are best soaked.

Of all dairy products ghee (clarified butter) is the best - it
can be cooked with and added to practically everything. Milk should be
taken warm preferably, spiced with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon or turmeric.
Good alternatives to cow‘s milk are soya milk and rice milk. Fresh cheeses
are easier to digest then hard, old ones. They are best enjoyed with some
black pepper to stimulate digestive fire.

One should avoid red meat. White meat is okay for consumption
i.e. chicken and turkey. Fish is very hot in potency; so one can chose to
eat fresh water fish rather than sea fish.

Refined sugar should be replaced by jaggery (solidified sugar
cane juice), cane sugar, or honey. Honey is not heat stable and becomes
poisonous for the body when heated, cooked or baked.

Black tea and coffee can be drunk, but herbal teas and
decaffeinated coffee are better. Ginger tea made from fresh roots is
warming, agni (digestive fire) increasing; removes mucus and toxins but
ginger tea should not be drunk regularly.

Most essential is the use of spices. Cumin, coriander, fennel
and saffron are the best for balancing all doshas, increasing agni
(digestive fire) and should be used liberally. Black pepper, turmeric,
cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, mustard seeds, nutmeg, all fresh herbs
(particularly fresh coriander) and onions can be used. Garlic and ginger
should also be used in moderate quantities. Asafoetida (Hingu) pacifies
vata and should be added when cooking pulses, cabbage and beans to reduce
their gas producing properties.

Charaka Samhita states -‘Evamkurvati
hi arogya-bala-varna-samvahana-sampadamupetamjnatinamshreshtamapatyamjanayati’
which means that if a pregnant woman is taken care of as advised, she will give
birth to a child who does not have any diseases - a healthy, physically strong,
radiant and well nourished baby.